Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025

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Freed Thai Hostages Reflect on Captivity and Survival

Five Thai hostages recently freed by Hamas speak about their ordeal and survival during over a year of captivity.
Five Thai nationals, recently released from captivity by Hamas, have spoken about their experiences, emphasizing their hope and resilience despite difficult conditions.

Pongsak Thaenna, from Buri Ram, described his release as a rebirth, saying it felt like returning from the dead.

Throughout his time in Gaza, he held onto the hope of being freed, finding strength in thoughts of his family, especially his 15-year-old daughter.

He shared these reflections with Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, while receiving medical treatment in Israel.

Bannawat Saethao, another freed hostage, noted the hardships of captivity but said his health had remained relatively stable.

He recalled moments of uncertainty, wondering whether he would survive, but found reassurance in the promise of no harm from his captors.

The hostages leaned on each other for emotional support throughout their ordeal.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog acknowledged Thailand’s role in supporting ceasefire negotiations that led to the hostages' release and encouraged further collaboration in securing the release of other Thai hostages.

Minister Sangiampongsa emphasized Thailand’s diplomatic efforts, highlighting strong relationships with various countries, including Qatar, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, the United States, and Israel, which facilitated the successful negotiations.

He also noted that Thai workers play a crucial role in Israel's agricultural sector, positioning Thailand as a diplomatic bridge between countries at opposing ends of the conflict.
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